My landlord told me that the other tenants in my bldng also pay for all utils, including water and sewer, as part of their rent. I don't necessarily know if this is true. But renting is lame enough in that you are throwing money away, to additionally pay for every single utility including water and sewer seems over the top ridiculous, like I am being raped. Agree?
2007-04-30 01:00:09 · 11 answers · asked by Atlas 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
I think it's ridiculous as well.
But If it's in your lease, then you must pay for it, if it's not then you don't have to pay..
But if you signed that lease and didn't read the fine prints about the utilities then you're stuck with paying your share.I don't believe you should be paying for water and sewer if you live in a building with other tenants, that's the landlord responsibility, it's part of doing business.
Have your landlord show you the bills...
2007-04-30 01:13:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water and sewer payments are generally included in a lease because they are usually what is referred to as "municipal utilities." That means that a lien will appear on the property if the bills are not paid. This lien will even be superior to the mortgage, similar to taxes. Therefore, landlords almost always pay the water and sewer charges and include them in the rent to avoid any problems. If your landlord is not paying the water and sewer charges and the rent is not reduced, you are then paying more for the property. Also, you have to wonder if you want to do business with someone that is willing to put his property at risk to save a few dollars.
2007-04-30 09:27:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a landlord, I agree with the answer above. There is no way I am going to take a chance of a lien or judgment being placed on my property because a tenant didn't pay a water or sewer bill. Those bills, like the property taxes, are my responsibility. I much prefer to pay those bills directly myself. I then take those costs into consideration when I'm determining what rent I need to charge.
2007-04-30 11:44:54 · answer #3 · answered by Mooseles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In CA this is becoming more & more common. Even if the buildings are not metered it's now possible to prorate the monthly charges for water & sewer based on the size of the apt. and bill the tenant for them. The building owner still pays the utility company and has it in his name, but gets reimbursed by the tenants. The upside is if you're one person in a 2 bdrm. you're not paying as much as a family of 4 or 5. But it is difficult to swallow when tenants are used to having those costs covered (or included in the rent - and rent increases). Please don't compare it to rape. You choose to live there or not.
2007-04-30 14:29:23 · answer #4 · answered by melldiva 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's whatever the two of you agree to. If it's a single family, those things are pretty normal, in an apartment building, water and sewer are difficult to separate, so often paid by the landlord depending on how it's metered.
Rents are negotiable. Don't agree to anything you're not happy with. If you think landlords are making so much money, then start buying property and stop complaining.
2007-04-30 08:05:13 · answer #5 · answered by Ender 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The last apartments I lived at I payed utilities and rent
It did suck that is why I moved. There are some places
that do pay some utilities you just have to hunt for them.
They may cost a little more in rent but sometimes its
worth it.
2007-04-30 08:06:51 · answer #6 · answered by chmar11 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't. I think you're being unrealistic. The rent is what you pay the owner for use of the properties. Utility payments go to someone else.
2007-04-30 08:15:33 · answer #7 · answered by open4one 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every landlord does rental differently. Either the price is right for you or it isn't. THis way you only pay for the utilities YOU USE and aren't getting a bigger rental fee for someone else's utility usage.
2007-04-30 08:04:17 · answer #8 · answered by wizjp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The way to look at is is this....you either pay for them on your own or just pay a higher rental amount. Either way, it's going to cost you. If renting is so "lame", try becoming an owner instead.
2007-04-30 15:27:36 · answer #9 · answered by LILL 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
guessing you are a young renter...........
rent means the roof over your head in most cases..........
kinda like renting a car.........don't come with gas.........
but you could ask someone else in the building.
2007-04-30 08:09:14 · answer #10 · answered by rock 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋